Learning Styles in Math

We always hear about people belonging to categories of learning styles depending on their interests. For example individuals who are more  into art could be categorized as visual learners or individuals interested in sports could be categorized as kinaesthetic learners. I don't think it would be fair to categorize students into these learning styles because students can always belong to more than one. An individual might think that because they are a visual learner that they can't do math, when in fact everyone is capable of doing math because there is always more than just one "right" way to do math. That is where differentiation comes in. As educators it is important that we differentiate our lessons and activities so that various types of learners can have multiple ways of learning math. Giving students choice when it comes to handing in work allows them to be more interested in the work that they are handing in. 

It's important to explore different avenues while teaching math. For example using board games and changing them to learn math, or incorporating math infographics and podcasts. A game that can be used in math is called Blockus. This game can be modified to teach students to practice area and perimeter of shapes. The teacher can give the students a set number for area and perimeter and they must explore how many shapes they can make with that set number. Teachers can always modify this activity depending on the comfort level of the student to make it more difficult or  easier. 

There are many ways we can differentiate in the classroom from changing the content with various delivery methods, the process and making sense of the content taught, and the product or how the students demonstrate their learning. Providing students with various choices allows them to succeed at math. I find it interesting that we have finally shifted math from just being a subject where we memorize formulas and content to do well on standardized pencil and paper tests to a subject that can be filled with open-ended problems, a positive environment where all students feel comfortable, asking questions, fun activities and games, and more student inquiry.

I personally enjoyed my math classes as a student in elementary and high school and did well. However, I believe that I and many other students would have benefited from a system that encourages a growth mindset and differentiates. I hope in my future classroom my students will enjoy math class and walk in every day excited to learn what's next. 

Math Mindset

The second week of math has arrived and no better way to focus on math by not only developing our own math mindset as educators, but learning to help our students develop a math mindset. So what exactly is a math mindset? And what is the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset? By now I'm sure you have heard these terms being thrown around, so let's take a closer look at what these terms really mean in the education world.

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A growth mindset means that you believe that smartness increases with hard work and dedication. On the contrast, a fixed mindset means that you believe that you are either smart or you are not, and you can not change your basic level of intelligence. With a growth mindset, no matter how many mistakes an individual may make they keep on going until they have reached their goals or succeeded at the task at hand. The example demonstrated in the online module video shows students playing and never giving up because they are determined to be better at soccer and believe that they can achieve those goals with hard work.

Students with a math growth mindset try harder and longer because they don't believe that trying hard and taking your time equates to being un-smart. When these students make a mistake they do not think it means they are bad at math or will never get it, instead they try harder and face their challenges so that they are able to succeed. Mistakes and challenges are seen as a learning opportunity. 

The video above describes why it is important to choose the harder problems when learning math because our brain actually grows with challenges. Students who have a growth mindset are more likely to choose the harder problems because they want to challenge themselves and develop their math skills. Studies have shown that when students are told by educators that they are smart, the students are more likely to choose the easier problems in math and not challenge themselves. This can be a problem especially when these students face math challenges in the future they can feel like they are not smart if they do not understand the problem. 

As educators it is important to not call our students smart at math but praise hard work and determination. If we see students progressing and working hard at developing their skills in math, it is important to encourage these students to continue this behaviour in order to encourage a growth mindset. 

Welcome Back: Year Two, Week One

Week one of math has provided me with many beneficial ideas and videos that break down math stereotypes and discuss brain growth. Having a math mindset is crucial not only for the educators but students alike. It is important that the attitude towards math is shifted from a negative to a positive light. The video Hollywood Hates Math demonstrates how math is seen in a negative light in hollywood and the media. Math is seen as uncool, or that only certain people are good at math. The video would be a great introduction to show students in a math classroom to hold a class discussion surrounding these ideas about math and how we can work together to break down these stereotypes that exist. 

It is important to understand how brain growth and a growth mindset affects our learning of mathematics. Evidence says that everyone can do math and our brains grow and change when we need them to, as well as mistakes allow our brains to actually grow. The Jo Boaler video: The Brain Science on Growth Mindset states that our belief in ourselves greatly impacts our ability to learn, more specifically with mathematics. As educators I think it is imperative that we foster that growth mindset in our students so that they can believe in themselves with regards to learning math. A non-judgemental and comfortable learning environment is also vital for students to understand that it is not only okay but encouraged to ask questions and make mistakes because it is a part of the learning process. 

Breaking down math myths and stereotypes in the classroom are vital steps towards growth mindset. Understanding that math is not just a subject for boys or that only certain students with a "math gene" or "left-brain dominant" are good at math. These stereotypes are common especially within the media. Math is for everyone and there should not be a gender gap because we are all equally capable of learning math. Having an educator who breaks down these stereotypes and believes in their students allows students to believe in themselves and fosters a positive learning environment where everyone can have fun learning math.